Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales

Glossy Black Conservancy 2010 

Notice To Users Of This Document

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Please cite as: Glossy Black Conservancy (2010) Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines for South-Eastern Queensland and Far North-Eastern New South Wales. Glossy Black Conservancy.

Purpose of Document The Glossy Black Conservancy has produced these Conservation Guidelines in its capacity as a collaborative NGO for the purpose of facilitating the management and conservation of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami) in south-eastern Queensland and far north- eastern New South Wales (the ‘Specified Purpose’). This information and any recommendations in this document are particular to the Specified Purpose and are based on facts, matters and circumstances particular to the subject matter of the document and the Specified Purpose at the time of production. This document is not to be used, nor is it suitable, for any purpose other than the Specified Purpose. The Glossy Black Conservancy disclaims all liability for any loss and/or damage whatsoever arising either directly or indirectly as a result of any application, use or reliance upon the document for any purpose other than the Specified Purpose.

This document is not to be used by any third party without due recognition being given to the Glossy Black Conservancy and associated authors of the document. Any such use shall continue to be limited to the Specified Purpose. Further, the Glossy Black Conservancy does not make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for any third party‘s use in whole or in part of the document or application or use of any other information or process disclosed in this document and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or damage sustained by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or use of the whole or any part of the document through any cause whatsoever.

In compiling this document, the Glossy Black Conservancy has used information provided to it by its members, governmental registers, databases, departments and agencies. The Glossy Black Conservancy does not know, nor does it have any reason to suspect, that the information provided to it was false, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading at the time of its receipt. This document is supplied on the basis that while the Glossy Black Conservancy believes all the information in it is deemed reliable at the time of publication, it does not warrant its accuracy or completeness and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or damage sustained by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or use of the whole or any part of the information in this document through any cause whatsoever.

Signed on behalf of Date: 23 August 2010 The Glossy Black Conservancy

Adrian Caneris

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 

Executive Summary

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami (GBC) is a rare and threatened cockatoo that is listed as a Vulnerable bird species under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 and New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Past coastal development and clearance of suitable feeding habitat for agriculture have reduced its range and substantially reduced its overall abundance. South-eastern Queensland (SEQ) and far north-eastern New South Wales (NE NSW) have some of the most significant populations of GBC in Australia, in areas that are still experiencing rapid growth in urban development, yet currently no integrated protection program exists for the GBC in SEQ and NE NSW.

To address this deficiency, the Glossy Black Conservancy (the Conservancy) was formed in 2005 as a partnership between government, community groups and business to facilitate the management and conservation of GBC in the region. A major focus for the Conservancy has been the collaborative development of this Conservation Guidelines document that summarises the ecology, threats and appropriate research and management actions for addressing the conservation needs of the GBC.The principal guidelines are to:

1. Identify and conserve feeding habitat. High priority actions include developing a habitat suitability map for GBC in SEQ and NE NSW to include in future Biodiversity Planning Assessments undertaken at State level, identifying the habitat management requirements for maintaining sufficient areas of feeding habitat, and protecting feeding habitat from land clearing and tree removal through the development approval process;

2. Identify new nest sites, monitor the use of known nest sites, and protect nest sites and suitable nesting habitat through the development approval process and the range of incentives available for conservation on private land;

3. Encourage ecological research on the GBC, particularly its movements and use of the broader landscape, and the fire responses of its principal feed tree species;

4. Survey GBC populations on a regular basis to monitor population trends, recruitment, and distribution;

5. Promote and facilitate community interest and understanding of GBC habitat requirements and conservation;

6. Promote and facilitate community participation in GBC conservation; and

7. Adopt a strategic planning approach to GBC conservation at the local and regional level by maintaining the Conservancy and implementing the recommended actions as resources permit.

The guidelines are accompanied by a summary of current statutory and policy frameworks relevant to GBC conservation.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 

List of Figures

Figure 2.1: Distribution ranges of the three subspecies of Glossy Black-Cockatoo in Australia. Figure 2.2: Historical sighting reports of Glossy Black-Cockatoo locations from the Gold Coast, SEQ. Compiled from Gold Coast City Council, WildNet (DERM), Glossy Black Conservancy and Griffith University data (Castley & Stock, unpublished).

List of Abbreviations

CITES Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species DERM Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management GBC Glossy Black-Cockatoo Govt Government LGA Local Government Area NE NSW Far North-eastern New South Wales NGO Non-Government Organisation NSW New South Wales Qld Queensland RE Regional Ecosystem RTBC Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo SEQ South-eastern Queensland Uni. University YTBC Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales

1. Introduction 6 1.1 Document background 6 1.2 Objectives 6 1.3 Stakeholders 7 2. Species profile 7 2.1 Species and subspecies descriptions 7 2.2 Confusing species 9 2.3 Conservation status 9 2.4 Distribution and population size 11 2.5 Ecology 12 2.6 Threats 16 3. Conservation goals and guidelines 18 3.1 Conservation goals 18 3.2 Conservation guidelines 18 4. References 25

Appendix 1: A30 Summary of current statutory and policy frameworks relevant to GBC conservation at international, national, state and local government (SEQ and NE NSW) levels Appendix 2: A37 Offset principles Appendix 3: A38 Relevant contacts

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010  Introduction

1. Introduction This Conservation Guidelines document has been developed collaboratively over a one-year period. 1.1 Document Background A first draft was developed by key Conservancy The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami partners and circulated in early 2009 to all partners (GBC) is a rare and threatened species restricted to for comment. A revised second draft, circulated to eastern and south-eastern Australia. It is currently all Conservancy partners in early November 2009, listed as Vulnerable under the Queensland Nature formed the background to individual feedback Conservation Act 1992 and New South Wales meetings between a Conservancy coordinator and Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. South- representatives of each of the city and regional eastern Queensland (SEQ) and far north-eastern council partners in the Conservancy, and a meeting New South Wales (NE NSW) have some of the most with a Queensland Department of Environment and significant populations of GBC in Australia. Although Resource Management (DERM) representative. Council there have been a number of local conservation representatives involved in these meetings included staff initiatives, particularly on the Moreton Bay islands, from the planning, development assessment, parks, currently no integrated protection programs exist for community partnerships, and environment sections. the GBC in SEQ and NE NSW (e.g. recovery plans, The outcomes of these meetings were presented at breeding programs, population monitoring). This a two-day workshop (2-3 December 2009) involving represents a significant limitation to ensuring the most Conservancy partners, where the proposed bird’s future conservation. Nevertheless, there is a guidelines were discussed and commented on in detail. considerable amount of community support and interest This feedback informed the preparation of a final draft in protecting the species, as demonstrated by the of the Conservation Guidelines that was circulated to ongoing involvement of the partners in the Glossy Black all partners for final comment in mid-December 2009. Conservancy. It is anticipated that the guidelines will continue to be periodically updated as new research, data and planning The Glossy Black Conservancy (the ‘Conservancy’) was tools become available. officially formed in 2005 with the vision of enabling a coordinated approach between government, community and business to increase the awareness, protection 1.2 Objectives and conservation of Glossy Black-Cockatoos within The overall objectives of the Conservation South-eastern Queensland. The geographical scope of Guidelines are to: the Conservancy has since been extended to include 1. Facilitate the conservation of viable populations of far north-eastern NSW. To achieve this vision, and to GBC and their habitats across SEQ and NE NSW; address the lack of an established plan of management, 2. Improve our knowledge and understanding of the one of the main aims of the Conservancy has been interactions between GBCs, the environment and the development of a Regional Management Plan for threats across SEQ and NE NSW; Glossy Black-Cockatoos in SEQ and NE NSW in order 3. Provide stakeholders with the information to establish to facilitate the management and conservation of the and implement strategic, adaptive management species. actions and associated monitoring regimes that achieve the conservation objectives for the species Following further consideration of the contextual and its habitats; implications of a ‘Management Plan’ that is to be applied 4. Provide advice on practical measures that can across Local Government and State boundaries, it be used to achieve enhanced protection and was decided that the development of ‘Conservation conservation of GBC habitat; Guidelines’ would be a more appropriate and achievable 5. Assist the implementation of management actions by outcome, and one that could form the consistent coordinating a collaborative effort of stakeholders via basis of individual Management Plans for each of the a consistent approach; authorities. It is also anticipated that these Conservation 6. Raise public awareness of the GBC, the threats it Guidelines could be applied as a template for other faces, and what the community can do to ameliorate regions, with the inclusion of additional, specific issues these threats. to be considered, as deemed appropriate.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Species Profile 

1.3 Stakeholders 2. Species Profile The development of these Conservation Guidelines has involved input from various official Conservancy 2.1.1 Species and Subspecies Descriptions members, including (in alphabetical order): The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami • Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM); is the smallest of Australia’s ‘black’ cockatoos. Three • Bird Observation and Conservation Australia, subspecies are recognised: (1) the core population in Brisbane/Gold Coast Branch (BrisBOCA); south-eastern Australia, C. l. lathami; (2) an outlying • Birds Australia Southern Queensland (BASQ); population in central eastern Queensland, C. l. erebus; • Birds Queensland (BQ); and (3) an isolated population on Kangaroo Island in • Brisbane City Council (BCC); South Australia, C. l. halmaturinus (Figure 2.1). The • Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC); following descriptions are taken from Forshaw (2002). • Byron Shire Council (BSC); • Gold Coast City Council (GCCC); • Griffith University (GU); • Gympie Regional Council (GRC); • Ipswich City Council (ICC); • Logan City Council (LCC); • Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC); • Mt Barney Lodge; • North Burnett Regional Council (NBRC); C.I erebus • Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM); • Redland City Council (RCC); C.I lathami • Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC); • SEQ Catchments (SEQC); • Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC); • Tweed Bird Observers Club (TBO); and • Tweed Shire Council (TSC). C.I halmaturinus

While many of these agencies will also be primarily responsible for the implementation of the actions identified and recommended within these Conservation Guidelines, the participation of numerous other stakeholders, including various other State agencies, Figure 2.1: Distribution ranges of the three subspecies private industry bodies/developers and private of Glossy Black-Cockatoo in Australia. land managers, will be critical for achieving desired outcomes. 2.1.2 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami The geographical area covered by these Conservation It is also acknowledged that most new sightings and Guidelines is within the range of the eastern subspecies records of the species in SEQ and NE NSW come from of GBC Calyptorhynchus l. lathami, which is described the general community and that none can monitor these as follows. regions as easily and effectively as the local residents and visitors. As such, public participation is also crucial Adult Male – Head, neck and underparts dark sooty to ensuring a more secure future for the bird. brown, merging into brown-black on undertail-coverts; The habitual nature of the species provides an additional feathers of forehead and crown only slightly elongated to linkage to community-based monitoring, facilitating year form inconspicuous crest; back and wings black, a faint round observation of the use of habitat elements such brownish-green sheen on primaries and upper as watering sites and feed resources. wing-coverts; central tail-feathers black, lateral feathers

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010  Species Profile

black with broad subterminal band of bright red; bill Adult Female – differs from male by having yellow grey; iris dark brown; legs dark grey; weight 422-480 g feathers scattered throughout head and neck, in some (Photo 2.1). birds only a few feathers, but in others large patches of yellow, often narrowly margined darker orange-yellow; Length 46-51cm, wing 360 mm, tail 218 mm, red tail-band washed yellow and divided by narrow black exposed culmen 46 mm, tarsus 25 mm. barring, both yellow wash and black barring diminishing with age; bill greyish-horn suffused darker grey at sides of upper mandible and tipped dark grey; weight 430- 500 g (Photo 2.2).

Wing 340 mm, tail 211 mm, exposed culmen 45 mm, tarsus 25 mm.

Juveniles – feathers of sides of head variably spotted with pale yellow; a few yellow spots on upper and lower wing-coverts, at times extending to flanks, and these usually darker yellow in males; feathers of lower breast to under tail-coverts subterminally barred with pale yellow, in females more pronounced and becoming strong speckling on under-tail coverts; no yellow feathers on head or neck; lateral tail-feathers like adult female, though darker red in young males, and barring more pronounced; bill horn-coloured suffused grey at base.

2.1.3 Calyptorhynchus lathami erebus Adults – like C. l. lathami, but with a disproportionately small bill.

Occurs in the Dawson-Mackenzie-Isaac Rivers basin, in coastal central-eastern Queensland, north to Paluma in the Paluma Range, south to the Dawes Range plateau, and inland to the Expedition Range and probably to the Peak and Denham Ranges including the Blackdown Tableland.

2.1.4 Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus Adults – similar to C. l. lathami, but with a disproportionately large bill.

Confined to Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and formerly in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges on the adjacent mainland.

Photos 2.1 and 2.2: Adult male (top) and female (bottom) Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Source: John McCann.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Confusing Species 

2.2 Confusing Species GBCs also have a highly specialised diet, which is discussed further in Section 2.5. In SEQ and NE NSW, the GBC shares much of its range with other black-cockatoo species, including the Red- Photo 2.4: Adult Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. Source: tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii (RTBC, Bob Inglis. Photo 2.3) and the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo C. funereus (YTBC, Photo 2.4), and it is possible to confuse the three species. In terms of appearance, the most reliable distinguishing features of GBCs are a broad, bulbous bill and dull, brownish tinge on the head and breast. By contrast, YTBCs and RTBCs are both larger, ‘blacker’ birds, the former with distinctive, large yellow panels in a long tail (as opposed to the predominantly red tail panels of the other two species) and the latter with a larger, helmet-like crest (as opposed to the low, rounded crest of GBCs) (Pizzey and Knight 2003).

2.3 Conservation Status

The conservation status of the GBC within national, state and local government jurisdictions is outlined below. Details of current statutory and policy frameworks relevant to GBC conservation at international, national, state and local government (SEQ and NE NSW) levels are summarised in Appendix 1. Photo 2.3: Adult male (left) and female (right) Red-tailed Black-cockatoo. Source: Bob McPherson 2.3.1 National and International The southern subspecies of the GBC (Calyptorhynchus Unlike YTBCs, RTBCs and most other cockatoos, GBCs l. halmaturinus) is currently listed as Endangered in are generally inconspicuous in their behaviour, are usually South Australia under the Commonwealth Environment seen feeding or flying in pairs or small groups, and are not Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This raucous – they call little and then in subdued notes. This subspecies has been listed because of its small population contrasts markedly with the conspicuous, noisy behaviour size and dramatic decrease in its range after it became of other species, which are seen more frequently in large extinct on the mainland as a result of habitat loss following flocks. The GBC’s call (a distant, drawn-out “tarr-red”) is European settlement. It is now restricted to Kangaroo softer and more feeble than that of RTBCs (far-carrying, Island, where intensive conservation efforts guided by a drawn out trumpet sound “kree”, like a rusty windmill) and species recovery plan have led to a recent increase in the YTBCs (weird, far-carrying squeal - “wee-lar”) (Pizzey and size of the island’s population (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Knight 2003).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 10 Confusing Species

The species, C. lathami, is not listed nationally but is severe decrease in abundance of State populations of listed under Appendix II of CITES (see Appendix 1) with GBCs, the ongoing increase in the pressures that have other members of the taxonomic order Psittaciformes been responsible for these decreases, and the species (Parrots), which provides protection with respect to being an ecological specialist with poor recovery illegal trade in this species. potential (Lunney et al. 2000).

2.3.2 State In order to give effect to the State level classification At the State level, the GBC is listed in Queensland as a threatened species, several councils within SEQ (Nature Conservation Act 1992), New South Wales have recognised the need to conserve the GBC at a (Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995) and local level (Table 2.1), and most council partners in Victoria (Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988) as the Conservancy are actively involved in promoting Vulnerable, and in South Australia (National Parks and awareness programs and assisting conservation Wildlife Act 1972) as Endangered. These listings are efforts to protect the species. motivated by the overall decrease in the range and

Table 2.1: Local conservation status of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo in SEQ and NE NSW local government areas (LGAs).

LGA Conservation status of GBC Key Document

Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy Brisbane City Listed as a significant species (BCC 2000)

Priority species for recovery planning Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Byron Shire & action through habitat protection (BSC 2004)

Listed as a regionally & LGA Nature Conservation Strategy Gold Coast City significant species (GCCC 2009)

Nominated for listing as significant Moreton Bay Local Biodiversity Strategy (draft) species

Protection & enhancement recognised Redland City Redlands Planning Scheme (RCC 2008) as a Desired Environmental Outcome

Planning Scheme Policy 3 - Ecological Scenic Rim Listed as a significant species Assessment (SRRC 2009)

Sunshine Coast Regional Council draft Sunshine Coast Listed as a significant species Biodiversity Strategy (SCRC 2009)

Priority species for recovery planning Vegetation Management Strategy Tweed Shire & action through habitat protection (Kingston et al. 2004)

Due to differences in planning law, local councils in NSW do not usually “list” threatened or otherwise significant species in order to protect them from threats. In NSW, recovery actions for listed threatened species are a legal requirement of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and threatened species assessments are required for all development. Not withstanding this, many local councils prepare and adopt strategies or management plans to better protect and manage biodiversity values.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Distribution and Population Size 11

2.4 Distribution and numerous locations throughout the region. Specific Population Size localities in Tweed and Byron shires include Bogangar, Round Mountain, Hastings Point, Ocean Shores and Broken Head along the coast, and Mt Nullum, Mt. 2.4.1 General Jerusalum, Byrill Creek Koonum and Nightcap Ranges The GBC is endemic to Australia and has a widespread in the hinterland. The population in the Round Mountain but sparse distribution in the east of Australia, south area has been estimated at less than 50 individuals from Paluma in northern Queensland (Garnett et al. (CSIRO 1995). 2000) to the Gippsland area of Victoria and inland to south-central Queensland, and the Central Western Based on the abundance, age and proportion of plains and Riverina of NSW. An isolated population Allocasuarina with feeding evidence (orts), Stock (2008) exists on Kangaroo Island, South Australia (Schodde et estimated a population size of 390-520 birds feeding in al. 1993; Higgins 1999; Forshaw 2002). the Gold Coast region, whereas a coordinated survey of 31% of 1km2 grid cells with historical records for GBC Since European settlement, GBC abundance and on the Gold Coast (Figure 2.2) yielded a count of 51 distribution has decreased throughout its range birds in 2009 (Castley & Stock, unpublished). (Paterson 1997, Mooney & Pedler 2005). The South Australian subspecies C. l. halmaturinus has become Pacific Motorway locally extinct on the mainland, where the last confirmed sighting was made in 1977 (Joseph 1989, Mooney & Urban Footprint Pedler 2005). It is now restricted to Kangaroo Island, where intensive conservation recovery efforts have led to a recent population increase from less than 200 in Sighting Report 1995 to around 300 by 2005 (Mooney & Pedler 2005). 1 Breeding population size and area of occupancy have 2 - 5 been estimated at 12,000 birds occupying 50,000 km2 6 - 10 for C. l. lathami and 5,000 birds occupying 1,000 km2 11 - 30 for C. l. erebus in 2000 (Garnett & Crowley 2000). The 31 - 82 Queensland population of C. l. lathami appears to be more abundant in SEQ where more frequent records are 2 made within an area of 25,000 km (Paterson 1997). N

2.4.2 SEQ and NE NSW Distribution Glossy Black-Cockatoos are found throughout the SEQ and NE NSW regions. In SEQ, three significant populations have been identified (based on sightings and feed tree localities): (1) the southern Moreton Bay Islands; (2) the hinterland of the Gold Coast; and (3) Noosa (BAAM 2007). Concentrations of known historical records and feeding habitat for GBCs in the Gold Coast Kilometers region include the Mudgeeraba, Bonogin, Coomera 0 3 6 12 18 24 and Pimpama areas, which are located in peri-urban areas that are mostly designated for future urban Figure 2.2: Historical sighting reports of Glossy development. The largest populations west of the Great Black-Cockatoo locations from the Gold Coast, SEQ. Dividing Range in southern Queensland are found in the Compiled from Gold Coast City Council, WildNet Barakula, Chinchilla and Dunmore areas. (DERM), Glossy Black Conservancy and Griffith University data (Castley & Stock, unpublished). North-eastern NSW is also a stronghold for GBC; the NSW Wildlife Atlas website (NSWWA 2010) has around Local movement of GBCs may be due to a number of 6500 GBC records, with significant concentrations at factors, including seasonality of food resources and

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 12 Ecology

the ephemeral nature of water sources that lead to a pockets of feed trees or even individual feed trees within shifting pattern of habitat use, loss of feeding sites, and urban areas (EMS 2003). The repeated, albeit infrequent, loss of nesting sites. This emphasises the importance use of individual feed trees (e.g. a single tree in a of managing multiple resources within the landscape to roundabout or on a freeway median strip) is also known protect the species. to occur (Higgins 1999; Pepper et al. 2000). However, this contrasts with a consistent preference for feeding in the interior of she-oak patches at Koala Beach (Mark 2.5 Ecology Fitzgerald, Tweed Shire Council, pers. comm.).

2.5.1 Preferred Habitat 2.5.2 Diet and Foraging Habits Glossy Black-Cockatoos are essentially temperate zone Glossy Black-Cockatoos have a highly specialised diet, birds. Towards the north of their range they become feeding almost exclusively on the seeds of Allocasuarina restricted to highland areas such as mountain ranges, spp. (Clout 1989; Pepper et al. 2000; Chapman & Paton isolated ridges or plateaus, and their irregular visits to 2006a, b; Cameron & Cunningham 2006), but also surrounding lowlands are probably motivated by food certain species of Casuarina (Higgins 1999). Throughout supplies. their range, they are reported to feed on nine species, of which the majority are Allocasuarina spp. (Chapman Except when on the move, GBCs are rarely found 2007). Yet, within a local area, feeding by the GBC is away from Allocasuarina or Casuarina (she-oak) trees, often restricted to a single species of she-oak (Clout which provide their primary food source (Clout 1989; 1989; Pepper et al. 2000; Crowley & Garnett 2001; Pepper et al. 2000; Crowley & Garnett 2001; Chapman Forshaw 2002; Cameron & Cunningham 2006). Within 2007). They have a strong preference for woodland SEQ and NE NSW, GBC show a distinct preference dominated by Allocasuarina, or open sclerophyll forests for A. littoralis (Black She-oak) and A. torulosa (Forest or woodlands, with a middle stratum of Allocasuarina She-oak). However, they have also been recorded below Eucalyptus, Corymbia or Angophora. They feeding on C. equisetifolia (Coastal She-oak), and to a are also observed in mixed Allocasuarina, Casuarina, lesser extent C. cunninghamiana (River She-oak) and Callitris or Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow) woodland C. glauca (Swamp She-oak) during limited periods assemblages, or dense sclerophyll forests. To the west of the year (John Birbeck, Sunshine Coast CC, pers. of the Great Dividing Range in southern Queensland, comm; John Callaghan & Graeme Lloyd pers. comm.). GBCs feed in remnant Belah (Casuarina cristata) and Allocasuarina littoralis appears to be the favoured feed Bull Oak (Allocasuarina luehmannii) forests. tree on the islands in Moreton Bay and coastal lowlands, while A. torulosa appears to be favoured along mountain Glossy Black-Cockatoos breed mainly within woodland ridges and slopes and higher ground generally. There is or remnant woodland containing large, old trees, but evidence of A. torulosa in coastal plains but it appears to have also been recorded in dead, ringbarked eucalypts be isolated and infrequently distributed. in cleared country. The species is an obligate hollow nester and requires a hollow stump or limb, living or Individuals spend as much as 88% of each day foraging dead, or a hole in the trunk of a large, old tree, usually (Clout 1989). They are rarely found foraging in other a eucalypt, for breeding (Garnett et al. 1999; Forshaw than Allocasuarina and Casuarina species (Photo 2.5), 2002; Cameron 2006). and while they have been reportedly observed foraging in Acacia, Hakea, Angophora or Eucalyptus for seeds Glossy Black-Cockatoos generally roost in the canopy of and insect larvae, many such observations are possibly live, leafy trees, particularly eucalypts, but will use other misidentifications or birds not actually eating (Blakers et species, including patches of Brigalow (Forshaw 2002). al. 1984; Pepper 1997; Higgins 1999; Forshaw 2002). Roost sites are usually <1 km from a reliable water Glossy Black-Cockatoo are also known to fly from source and, during the breeding season, tend to be Allocasuarina forage trees into others to process cones within 30 m of a nesting tree (Garnett et al. 1999). (Chapman 2007). Birds prefer to forage at sites with relatively higher Allocasuarina cover and avoid open sites In SEQ, urbanised areas can retain important habitat/ where the predation risk may be greater (Cameron & resource values and the birds are known to utilise small Cunningham 2006).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Ecology 13

seed weight, germination potential and the abundance of cones for A. littoralis, and trunk circumference and ground slope for A. torulosa (Wild et al. 2002).

This feeding specialisation and the low rates of food intake place the GBC in a position where it may be vulnerable to even small changes in the food supply (Benkman 1993; Cameron 2005). However, within the SEQ region, the availability of food resources is not thought to be limiting for GBC, and the population may be limited by other factors (Wild et al. 2002).

During feeding sessions, GBCs drop the remains of cones they have processed using the bill. These chewed remains, termed orts, have a characteristic appearance and may litter the ground beneath favoured feed trees (Photo 2.6). Orts can be persistent; the discarded Photo 2.5: Adult male (left) and immature male (right) remains of A. littoralis cones last about 4-6 months before GBC feeding on she-oak cones. Source: Marg Eller. disintegrating, whereas those of A. torulosa last longer. Factors involved in the persistence of orts include soil Glossy Black-Cockatoos are selective with respect to moisture and fire history. both the trees and the cones on which they choose to forage. Birds show strong fidelity to particular trees, returning to feed in selected trees, and ignoring other nearby trees, over consecutive years (Clout 1989; Higgins 1999; Pepper et al. 2000; Crowley & Garnett 2001). Glossy Black-Cockatoos preferentially select the trees bearing cones with a high ratio of total seed weight to cone weight, which is an index of the Food Value from each cone-opening effort (Clout 1989; Pepper 1996, 1997; Pepper et al. 2000; Crowley & Garnett 2001; Cameron & Cunningham 2006). Seed Fill (percentage of seeds containing kernels) and Kernel Ratio (average kernel weight/average cone weight) contribute significantly to Food Value (weight of kernels/total cone weight), both of which can be rapidly assessed by birds sampling the cone tips of a small number of cones in a tree (Crowley Photo 2.6: Chewed she-oak cones (termed ‘orts’) lying & Garnett 2001). Birds may also select trees with larger beneath an Allocasuarina tree. Source: Eli Szandala. cone crops but there is little evidence that they select trees on the basis of cone size (Clout 1989) or tree height It is possible to categorise the age of the orts based on (Wild et al. 2002). their colouration. Fresh (less than 24 hours old) chewings tend to be pale green to creamy white. As the chewings Within a tree, foraging birds select younger, russet- age, they lose their cream colouration and become brown cones produced in the previous year, often more orange (about a week old), turning orange-brown ignoring older, grey-brown cones (Pepper et al. 2000; (about six weeks old) and then finally brown or grey when Cameron & Cunningham 2006). Foraging by GBCs may cones are up to a year old. These characteristics of orts, differ with habitat, and the tree/cone characteristics of which provide an index of GBC foraging activity, can be the Allocasuarina species upon which they are feeding used to study the use of habitat within landscapes by (Chapman & Paton 2006b). The feeding status of an otherwise cryptic and sparsely distributed species Allocasuarina in SEQ appears to be a function of individual (Cameron & Cunningham 2006; BAAM 2007).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 14 Ecology

2.5.3 Reproduction and Development The egg-laying season of C.l. lathami lasts from March to June (Higgins 1999). South Australian C.l. halmaturinus commence nesting in January and lay eggs through to July (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Forshaw (2002) describes the courtship display to be similar to other Calyptorhynchus species, with the crest raised, head feathers fluffed out, and tail fanned to reveal tail colouring. The male struts along the branch toward the female whilst bowing and bobbing his head, making squeaky call notes.

The nest is usually found within a hollow limb or a hole in the trunk of a tree (Photo 2.7), usually a eucalypt and mostly between 10 m and 20 m above the ground (Forshaw 2002). Potential GBC nest trees are large eucalypts (living or dead) with a diameter at breast height over bark >40 cm, with developing hollows (Garnett et al. 1999). Potential GBC nest hollows have the following characteristics: (i) hollow >8 m above ground level, (ii) situated in branches or stems >30 cm in diameter, (iii) angle of branch or stem not more than 45º from vertical, and (iv) a minimum entrance diameter of >15 cm (Cameron 2006). In central NSW, nest hollows were vertical or near vertical spouts (77%), trunk cavities exposed by the loss of a large branch at a fork in the trunk (19%) or trunk cavities with a side entrance (3%), Photo 2.7: Female and juvenile GBC at nest cavity. and were located in Eucalyptus crebra (74%), E. nubila Source Boyd Essex. (16%) and E. blakelyi (10%) trees (Cameron 2006). Nest trees were typically large, senescent or standing, On Kangaroo Island, nests are located within 1.5 km of dead trees (snags), with 80% having a diameter at a permanent water source, usually closer (average 200 breast height over bark ≥60 cm (mean = 70 cm, range m), and within 12 km of principal feeding areas (average = 39–96 cm). On Kangaroo Island, most nests were 2.9 km; Garnett et al. 1999). in large (20–40 m), living E. cladocalyx trees, and nest hollows were vertical or near vertical, usually in the trunk As with most cockatoos, the GBC has a slow lifecycle; or upper limbs where branches had broken off (Garnett the clutch size is usually one, and pairs that successfully et al. 1999). The average diameter of the nest hollow is fledge a youngster generally do not breed in the 22.5 cm (Higgins 1999). Glossy Black-Cockatoos also subsequent season because of the extended period make use of artificial nests, such as those of PVC piping of juvenile dependency (Garnett et al. 1999). If the egg that have been erected on Kangaroo Island (Garnett et or small nestling is lost, some females replace the egg al. 1999). Nests are lined with chewings from the interior within 21 days, laying up to three clutches in a season, of the nest and little else (Garnett et al. 1999). Birds will although re-laying appears to be less likely if the nest is use the same nest in successive seasons and will often predated by the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus nest in close proximity to nests of other pairs (Garnett et vulpecula) (Garnett et al. 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005). al. 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005). The female incubates the egg and broods the chick until fledging. Incubation lasts approximately 30 days after which the female remains in the nest. During this time the male forages and returns to the nest to provide food for the female, who feeds the nestling. The female

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Ecology 15

resumes foraging once the nestling is three weeks old. resources around roosting and nesting sites and there The nestling fledges (leaves the nest) 84-96 days after is certainly some level of local movement among these hatching and is then fed by both parents until at least resources. Glossy Black-Cockatoos are said to fly at the onset of the following breeding season. During considerable height when moving between feeding this period of dependency, the juvenile accompanies areas. During breeding, some birds may make daily, its parents at all times, including roosting in physical round-trip flights of up to 30 km to forage (Pepper 1996; contact (Garnett et al. 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005). Garnett et al. 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005).

Nest success has been quantified only on Kangaroo GBC are often considered as being seasonal in several Island, South Australia, where Common Brushtail locations within SEQ, which suggests the birds are Possums are abundant and are responsible for high moving around the region in response to resource levels of nest predation (Garnett et al. 1999; Mooney availability or breeding requirements (Stock & Wild & Pedler 2005). Prior to protection of nests from 2005). Seasonal movements may be more prevalent on possums, breeding productivity was 0.17 young/nest, mainland Australia, where resources are more dispersed, but increased to an eight-year average of 0.51 young/ than on Kangaroo Island. New research in SEQ is nest at nests protected from possums (Mooney & attempting to track the movements of the GBC within Pedler 2005). By comparison, breeding productivity has the region. been measured as 0.34-0.63 young/nest for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) (Saunders Glossy Black-Cockatoos do form aggregations and 1986) and 0.11 young/pair/year for Palm Cockatoo these may be in response to local resource availability, (Probosciger aterrimus) (Murphy et al. 2003). such as water sources, or may be due to local movement between upland and lowland areas. On Wild et al. (2002) argue that it is perhaps the availability Kangaroo Island, GBCs disperse locally to the coast at of nesting trees that is currently the limiting factor the end of the breeding season (Joseph 1982; Pepper affecting GBC populations in SEQ as there appear to 1996; Higgins 1999). These patterns are also expected be sufficient forage resources within this region. The in SEQ where local movement of birds between the ongoing removal and clearing of nesting habitat is hinterland areas and the offshore islands, particularly therefore a concern for the future persistence of the North Stradbroke Island, is reported. species in SEQ and NE NSW. The GBC is present throughout the year in many areas, 2.5.4 Movement Patterns and groups reportedly occupy areas permanently, The movement patterns and ranging behaviour of the though with some local movement. In Queensland the GBC are poorly known, even for the Kangaroo Island species is often recorded in mountainous regions, and population which is the most intensively studied within is said to make irregular visits probably in search of Australia. The species is variously considered sedentary, food to surrounding lowlands, including coastal areas, resident or nomadic, either locally or partially. Some where it feeds on both Allocasuarina littoralis and birds may also undertake movements over longer Casuarina equisetifolia (Stock & Wild 2005). The birds distances, being regular or unpredictable visitors to are unpredictable visitors to some inland areas, where some areas. they possibly wander more widely in response to dry conditions (Forshaw 2002). The population on Kangaroo Island is segregated into six ‘flocks’, where each ‘flock’ is a group of birds that 2.5.5 Behavioural Traits restricts its movements to within a well-defined area, Glossy Black-Cockatoos are inconspicuous and cryptic. with only some movement between ‘flocks’. Most Unlike other cockatoos they are not raucous – their individuals remain within their natal ‘flocks’; 27% of vocalisations are relatively infrequent and subdued. birds were never observed away from the general area They sit still and silent when approached and can easily where they had fledged, and of those that moved, most be overlooked. Usually, their presence is detected by remained in the ‘flock region’, with only 23% observed hearing the soft clicking action of the bill on the cones as moving into a different ‘flock region’ (Southgate 2002). they feed. Even so, once located, the birds are confiding Movement patterns may be related to the availability of and tolerate close approach.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 16 Threats

Glossy Black-Cockatoos apportion their time throughout 2.6 Threats the day to various activities. The primary activities include feeding, roosting/resting and flying while less 2.6.1 Causes of Past Declines frequent activities include drinking, mating and nesting Throughout its range, population changes in the GBC (during the breeding season). Daily activity patterns differ have been linked to changes in the extent of feeding between breeding and non-breeding birds. Among birds habitat. The decline and extinction of C. l. halmaturinus followed for the whole day on Kangaroo Island, non- on the South Australian mainland was due mainly to breeding birds spent 73% of the day resting and 26% the loss of she-oak feeding habitat as a consequence foraging, whereas breeding birds increased foraging of land clearing, possibly exacerbated by an increased time to 36% and reduced resting time to 23%, spending frequency of fires (Mooney & Pedler 2005). A decline in the remaining 38% of the day on nesting activities the population size of C. l. halmaturinus on Kangaroo (Chapman & Paton 2006a). Island was reversed when breeding success was increased through protection of nesting trees from In SEQ and NSW, GBCs appear to spend a greater predation by Common Brushtail Possums (Garnett et al. proportion of their time feeding than those birds on 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005). The density of possums Kangaroo Island. Among birds located randomly in typically increases when native vegetation is cleared feeding habitat (breeding status not reported), birds in and fragmented for forestry, agriculture or residential south-eastern NSW spent 88% of the time they were development (Garnett et al. 1999; Lindenmayer et al. under observation on feeding, 4% on resting and 8% 2002; Harper et al. 2008). The range of C. l. lathami has on other activities (Clout 1989), and birds in central contracted at its edges, particularly south and west of NSW were observed feeding during 55-87% of all the Great Dividing Range, and coastal development and observations (Cameron 2005). In SEQ, birds spent 66% clearance of suitable feeding habitat for agriculture are of time under observation feeding and 23% resting thought to have reduced the population density by at (Stock 2008). Feeding activity is greatest in the early least half (Garnett & Crowley 2000). The range of C. l. morning and late afternoon, whereas the birds spend erebus is thought to be expanding northwards, and the much of the hotter parts of the day resting (Cameron area of mature she-oak may be increasing in some areas 2005). Cameron (2005) has also recorded an increase in as a result of a change in fire regime, to the advantage of the foraging efficiency of adult birds when compared to the cockatoos (Garnett et al. 2000). juveniles and sub-adults. 2.6.2 Loss of Feeding Habitat The greatest threat to the GBC throughout its range is the loss of habitat in which Allocasuarina or Casuarina is a dominant or sub-dominant tree species (Garnett and Crowley 2000; Forshaw 2002; Cameron and Cunningham 2006). Habitat loss occurs mainly through land clearing for agriculture, residential and infrastructure development, and rural subdivisions, but the selective thinning of Allocasuarina and Casuarina on grazing land (to increase grazing potential) and residential land (e.g. for fire risk management) also degrades feeding habitat for GBCs. Although remnant vegetation and Endangered regrowth vegetation in Queensland is now protected under the Vegetation Management Act 1999, GBC food trees are often concentrated in regrowth areas that are not classified as Endangered. Consequently, much of this regrowth is not protected and is therefore often subject to more focused clearing.

She-oaks are pioneer species in disturbed areas, and are replaced in time by later-successional native

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Threats 17

vegetation. Therefore, protection of she-oaks from (Garnett et al. 1999). Therefore, loss or a scarcity of occasional fire and other forms of habitat disturbance suitable drinking sites may exclude GBC from breeding will cause the natural loss of she-oaks as the process of in otherwise suitable areas. A scarcity of watering sites vegetation succession advances. Along the Tweed coast has also been noted as a limiting factor on the southern of far NE NSW, GBC have been commonly observed Moreton Bay islands (BAAM 2002). feeding on C. equisetifolia (Coastal She-oak) which were extensively planted on coastal dunes following sand 2.6.4 Threats to Breeding Success mining in the 1960s and 1970s. Many of these trees are Land clearing for agriculture, residential development now senescing, are threatened by coastal development and rural subdivisions typically increases the abundance or are being progressively replaced by assisted of Common Brushtail Possum, Galah (Eolophus regeneration to more closely approximate naturally roseicapillus), Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris), occurring coastal vegetation communities. Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) and Common Myna Burning of fire-sensitive she-oaks (e.g.Allocasuarina (Acridotheres tristis), which compete with GBCs for littoralis) can easily kill these trees, rendering feeding the reduced number of nest hollows (Garnett et al. habitat unsuitable for up to 10 years while the she- 1999; Cameron 2006). Populations of these species oaks grow sufficiently to recover their fruiting potential have increased in SEQ and NE NSW generally, but the (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Although periodic fire is influence on GBC breeding recruitment in these regions required to regenerate GBC feeding habitat, frequent remains unknown. Glossy Black-Cockatoos are also fire reduces the abundance and recovery of she-oaks displaced from nest hollows by feral honeybees (Apis and prevents seedlings from reaching maturity (Mooney mellifera) (Garnett et al. 1999). & Pedler 2005). High frequency burning is considered a major threat to GBC feeding habitat and hollow-bearing Common Brushtail Possums are important predators trees on agricultural lands in parts of SEQ (Michael of cockatoo eggs and young (Garnett et al. 1999) and Anderson, Scenic Rim Regional Council, pers. comm.). can severely depress breeding success. Nest success The appropriate fire regime to maintain suitable habitat in on Kangaroo Island increased from 17% to 51% after the long term is not yet well understood. protection of nests from possum predation (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Feral cats have been associated with Other threats to feeding habitat include grazing by cockatoo predation in Western Australia (Joseph 1982). livestock and rabbits that may prevent regeneration of The influence of possum and cat predation on GBC Allocasuarina (Cooke 1987), weed infestations that may nesting success in the SEQ and NE NSW regions has increase fire intensities or prevent regeneration, and the not been quantified. unpredictable impacts of future climate change. The illegal robbing of nests for egg collecting or 2.6.3 Loss of Nesting Trees and Drinking Sites poaching of young birds for the avicultural trade are The loss of large, hollow-bearing trees as a result of land currently considered minor additional threats (Mooney & clearing and tree-thinning for agriculture and residential Pedler 2005). and infrastructure development, hot fires, and removal for fire-wood or reasons of public safety reduces the The GBC has a relatively long lifespan, so the full impact availability of nest sites and can limit breeding by GBC of these cumulative threats on the GBC population in (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Trees that develop suitable SEQ and NE NSW may not yet have become apparent, GBC nest hollows are thought to be at least 100 years particularly if they act on recruitment rather than adult old and possibly much older (Mooney & Pedler 2005). survival. If the recruitment of such trees is reduced, this will also reduce future breeding opportunities for the cockatoos. On Kangaroo Island, nest sites are also only occupied by GBC if they are located within relatively close proximity (average distance 200 metres and greatest distance 1.4 km) to a permanent source of accessible drinking water

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 18 Conservation Goals And Guidelines

3. Conservation Goals And become endangered across this region. The long-term Guidelines goal of these conservation guidelines is consequently to achieve viable populations of GBC in the regions of SEQ and NE NSW participating in the Conservancy. 3.1 Conservation Goals Managing a long-lived, slow-breeding species like the 3.2 Conservation Guidelines GBC requires a long-term perspective in conservation All Conservancy partners are committed to contributing planning (Burbidge and Raines 2003). Recognising that to the implementation of the conservation guidelines, but the threats that have led to a substantial decline in GBC certain action items are of greater relevance to a subset populations in SEQ and NSW are ongoing, the species of Conservancy partners, as indicated in the ‘Contribu- is listed as Vulnerable in both Queensland and NSW. If ting partners’ column below. action is not taken to relieve these threats, the GBC may

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Identify and conserve Identify and record the locations of ‘core’ feeding habitat feeding habitat for GBC, defined as she-oak trees Allocasuarina( and All High Casuarina spp.) with evidence of past feeding by GBC Aims: To identify (see Section 2.5.2). important feeding habitat and prevent Produce an accurate map of potential feeding habitat any further loss for GBC. The prevalence of GBC feeding tree species in the extent and is linked to other natural vegetation communities. condition of this Consequently there are currently no accurate measures habitat in the long- that enable agencies responsible for natural resource term by managing management to spatially identify such stands that may be it appropriately, important for GBC. This deficiency could be addressed protecting it from by using a geographic information system (GIS) modelling land clearing, tree approach. Intersecting the geographically precise records DERMa; thinning and other of feed trees collected by the Conservancy members Griffith High forms of degradation, and partner organisations across the region with the Uni. and restoring feeding existing layer of Regional Ecosystem (RE) types should habitat that has been enable the relevant REs utilised by GBCs to be identified. cleared or degraded Recognising the geographical bias inherent in such by previous impacts recording effort, the GIS-based model can then be used to map the distribution of these key REs elsewhere in the region, even if no actual sightings of birds have been recorded there, and so provide a habitat suitability map or predicted distribution for GBCs in SEQ and NE NSW.

Demarcate ‘essential habitat’ for GBCs as part of future Biodiversity Planning Assessments undertaken by DERM. These assessments function as biodiversity and nature conservation information tools to assist land use and land management decision-making, e.g. assessment DERMa High of clearing applications under Queensland’s Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Act 2009. This approach should, therefore, lead to improved protection of important habitats for the species.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Conservation Goals And Guidelines 19

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Protect known feeding habitat from land clearing and tree removal through the development approval process. Appropriate actions are to:

• adopt minimum buffer distances of 50 metresb between the outer envelope of any approved development and GBC preferred feed trees (see Section 2.5.2 for list of preferred feed trees) for nature conservation purposes, to protect the growing conditions for feed trees and promote ongoing recruitment of feed trees;

• adopt minimum buffer distances of 50 metresb between the outer envelope of any approved development and Local High identified GBC drinking sites for nature conservation govt purposes and to maintain the hydrology of natural waterholes;

• include locally-occurring GBC preferred feed tree species (see Section 2.5.2) into landscape and rehabilitation plans within known habitat areas ; • prevent the clearing of preferred feed tree species; • maintain known waterholes if possible, but if a known waterhole is lost, it should be replaced with an artificial waterhole that meets GBC requirements – seek advice on these requirements where necessary.

Include internal development offset provisions for developments that result in the loss of GBC feeding Local High habitat. See Appendix 2 for offset principles. govt

Encourage the use of available incentives by landholders and land managers to manage sites with key feeding Local habitat, including the restoration of feeding habitat that govt; Medium has been cleared or degraded by previous impacts. NGOs.

Assist landholders who wish to enter into voluntary Local conservation agreements or Nature Refuge declarations govt; at sites with key feeding habitat. Medium NGOs; DERMa.

Identify the management requirements for maintaining sufficient areas of ‘core’ feeding habitat for GBC over the All High long term, particularly in currently protected areas.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 20 Conservation Goals And Guidelines

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Adopt an appropriate fire management plan for GBC feeding habitat. Appropriate actions are to:

• prevent extensive areas of feeding habitat being burnt in single or consecutive wildfires by adopting a mosaic burning strategy across landscapes containing feeding habitat, preferably using low intensity fires; Local • prevent extensive areas of feeding habitat being burnt govt; too frequently, preferably using an average burning Land High frequency no greater than one fire in 15 years where mana- appropriate; gers • prevent burning of important known feeding patches in highly fragmented landscapes (small scale); • undertake litter raking around cone-producing trees where required for the retention of important known feed trees during prescribed burning.

Identify areas that might act as critical refugia during drought, assuming that cone production by GBC feed Griffith trees is reduced during drought. Prioritise these refugia for Uni. future protection.

Locate new nest sites, monitor the use of known nest Identify new nest sites, and maintain a confidential database and map of All High sites, protect known known nest sites nest sites and conserve suitable Determine the association of known nest sites with nesting habitat. DERMa; specific REs to identify and map important nesting Griffith Medium habitat using the Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Aims: To prevent the Uni. Methodology (BAMM). loss of identified nest trees and potentially Protect nesting habitat from land clearing and tree suitable nest trees removal through the development approval process. and nesting habitat Appropriate actions are to: in the long-term by protecting them from land clearing, • prevent the clearing of large, hollow-bearing eucalypt tree thinning and other forms of trees; Local degradation.hem • establish minimum buffer distances of 50 metresb govt; from land clearing, between the outer envelope (including firebreaks) of Land High tree thinning and any approved development and known GBC nesting mana- other forms of gers sites for nature conservation purposes, to protect active degradation. nests from disturbance during the breeding season and to protect nest-site trees from clearing or hazard reduction activities; • within forestry areas, no timber harvesting should occur within a 50 metreb radius of a known GBC nesting tree;

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Conservation Goals And Guidelines 21

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

• impacts on tree health of known roost trees, which are often located close to nest sites and feed trees; • ensure known GBC nesting sites remain protected and are not subject to biodiversity offsets, given that artificial nests have not been shown to be an effective solution to the loss of natural nest hollows in SEQ and NE NSW.

Identify water sources used by GBC within a 1 km radius of known nest sites, maintain this water supply, at least All High during the breeding season, and control foxes in the vicinity.

Where owners of private land containing known GBC nest sites are, promote the range of incentives available for Local Medium conservation and management of the species and its nest govt sites.

Local Secure known nest sites on undeveloped lots with govt; development approval using the range of incentives Land High available for conservation and management of the nest mana- sites. gers

Land Maintain and augment feeding habitat within a 12 km mana- High radius of known nest sites. gers

Adopt an appropriate fire management plan for known GBC nest sites: Land • prevent burning of GBC nesting habitat during the mana- High breeding season (January to October); gers • undertake regular litter raking around all known nest trees.

Land Where and when necessary, protect known nest sites mana- High from predator access. gers

Land Manage competition for known nest sites from feral mana- High species. gers

Establish nest boxes as artificial hollows, with appropriate management, in known breeding habitat areas where Land natural nest sites are limiting, and close to preferred mana- Medium feeding habitat and drinking sites, subject to available gers resources for monitoring and maintenance of nest boxes.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 22 Conservation Goals And Guidelines

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Encourage ecological The Conservancy is to set up a research sub-committee All High research on GBC to identify and prioritise research needs. across the SEQ and NE NSW region. Encourage further research to assess the fire response of GBC feed tree species and use of feeding habitats Griffith Medium Aims: To improve post-fire to improve understanding of appropriate fire Uni. the understanding management strategies. of GBC ecological requirements, Encourage research that studies the movements of including GBC individual birds through radio-tracking, satellite-tracking movements and or use of individually marked birds, to assess the home- use of the broader range sizes and habitat requirements of individuals at Griffith High landscape within its different times of the year. Research studies should Uni. range. include investigations of local dynamics, population requirements, and spatial and temporal use of the landscape.

Encourage research to assess dispersal between Griffith Medium breeding populations. Uni.

Conduct surveys to Conduct a professional, systematic landscape survey improve understanding to identify feed trees and nest sites to improve the All Medium of GBC population understanding of distribution and use of the landscape. demography, distribution and use of Conduct a coordinated survey of GBC populations in the landscape. SEQ and NE NSW on a regular (e.g. annual) basis. Use the map of important feeding habitat and knowledge of Aims: To survey GBC key areas of occupancy to inform the selection of a set on a regular basis of sites to survey each time. Given that it is impractical to All High to obtain accurate census the whole population, the population trend is best information on established through surveying the same sites repeatedly population trend, flock using standardised survey effort. Sites could also be structure, recruitment selected to test factors thought to influence habitat and distribution. occupancy e.g. degree of habitat fragmentation.

Establish a standardised process for recording, managing and sharing data on: (1) incidental sightings; (2) feed trees; (3) watering sites; and (4) nest sites. Sightings data All High must be submitted to WildNet and Wildlife Atlas for them to be considered in development assessments.

Monitor recruitment (i.e. breeding success) on a regular (e.g. annual) basis. The most cost-effective method for measuring recruitment is to census flock size and composition at the end of the breeding season; the ratio All High of juvenile birds to adult females provides a measure of recruitment. This activity could be included in a population survey conducted at the end of the breeding season.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Conservation Goals And Guidelines 23

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Monitor nesting success, comparing nests on islands to nests on the mainland, to identify constraints on nesting Griffith success (e.g. possum predation, competition for nest Medium Uni. holes) and assess the need for specific nest protection measures.

Maintain a record of fire history on public lands to assist Local future research into the effect of fire on GBC feeding govt; Medium habitat, and to inform adaptive management of fire DERMa. regimes.

Promote and facilitate Maintain the structure and aims of the Conservancy, community interest and and a high profile for the Conservancy through good All. High understanding of GBC communication with major stakeholders and sponsors. habitat requirements and conservation. Redland Promote the GBC as an icon animal for the Southern City Medium Moreton Bay Islands in all communication opportunities. Aims: To maintain Council community awareness, interest in and Maintain and update the Conservancy website to Griffith High ownership of the keep it relevant. Uni. Conservancy; to encourage beneficial Produce a newsletter that is distributed to active land management participants and others with an interest in the All Medium practices to conserve Conservancy. GBC habitat; to ensure that community Give presentations to schools, clubs and organisations as All Medium visitation of sites opportunities present themselves. frequented by GBCs does not adversely Prepare and submit regular articles to the local press, impact on feeding and and occasional articles targeting the wider State and All Low breeding activity. Australian communities.

Submit regular articles for publication in relevant national and local environmental and ornithological newsletters All Low and websites.

Participate in TV and film projects, as opportunities All Low present themselves.

Develop and provide relevant and updated information packages to students and other interested parties on All Medium request.

Maintain links with other groups involved with the recovery of the GBC, including the Kangaroo Island GBC Recovery All Low Program, and with other threatened species recovery teams and networks.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 24 Conservation Goals And Guidelines

Contri- Guidelines Actions buting Priority partners

Promote and facilitate Recruit and train volunteers to assist with the annual community participation population survey. All High in GBC conservation.

Aims: To establish, Recruit and train volunteers to assist with nest searching maintain and and monitoring. All Medium coordinate a group of volunteers trained to assist with searches Promote volunteer involvement in other aspects of the for feed trees and conservation program, such as publicity. All. Medium nest sites, monitoring of active nests during the breeding season, Draft a letter for a general request for volunteer the annual population involvement in Conservancy activities. All High survey and other tasks that benefit GBC conservation. Ensure good feedback to volunteers regarding the GBC conservation program and regular acknowledgment of All High their contribution, both personally and in publicity material.

Adopt a strategic Encourage, maintain or increase participation in the All High planning approach for Conservancy. GBC at the local and regional level. Launch the conservation guidelines with coordinated All High media events.

Adopt and implement the conservation guidelines. All High

a Together with NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) should they become a Conservancy partner.

b DECCW (2010) advises that: (a) within a 200 m radius of any GBC sighting record, all she-oaks with evidence of foraging by GBC should be protected ; and (b) no timber harvesting should occur within a 50 m radius of a known GBC nesting tree.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 25

Photo: GBC in flight Alan Rash

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 26

Photo: Eli Szandala

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 References 27

4. References

BAAM (2002) Glossy Black-Cockatoos of Moreton Bay Islands. Unpublished report prepared for GHD.

BAAM (2007) Glossy Black-Cockatoo: assessment and management strategy, North Stradbroke Island. Unpublished report prepared for Consolidated Rutile Limited.

BCC (2000) Brisbane City Council Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bccwr/lib181/Appendix2_NaturalAssets_PSP.pdf

Benkman, CW (1993) Logging, conifers, and the conservation of crossbills. Conservation Biology 7: 473-479.

Blakers, MD, Davies, SJJF, and Reilly, PN (1984) The Atlas of Australian Birds. RAOU and Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

Byron Shire Council (2004) Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity-conservation-strategy

Burbidge, A and Raines, J (2003) South Australian Glossy Black-Cockatoo Recovery Program Review 2003. Unpublished report to the SA Glossy Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team. DEH, Kingscote.

Cameron, M (2005) Group size and feeding rates of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in central New South Wales. Emu 105: 299-304.

Cameron, M (2006) Nesting habitat of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo in central New South Wales. Biological Conservation 127: 402-410.

Cameron, M and Cunningham, RB (2006) Habitat selection at multiple spatial scales by foraging Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Austral Ecology 31: 597-607.

Castley, JG, and Stock, MJ (unpublished) Estimating the distribution and abundance of Glossy Black-Cockatoo on the Gold Coast, Australia using a systematic survey.

Chapman, TF (2007) Foods of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami. Australian Field Ornithology 24: 30-36.

Chapman, TF and Paton, DC (2006a) The glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhunchus lathamia halmaturinus) spends little time and energy foraging on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 53: 177-183.

Chapman, TF and Paton, DC (2006b) Aspects of drooping sheoaks (Allocasuarina verticillata) that influence Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus( lathami halmaturinus) foraging on Kangaroo Island. Emu 106: 163-168.

Clout, MN (1989) Foraging behaviour of Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Australian Wildlife Research 16: 467-473.

Cooke, BD (1987) The effects of rabbit grazing on regeneration of sheoaks, Allocasuarina verticillata and saltwater ti-trees, Melaleuca halmaturorum, on the Coorong National Park, South Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology 13:11-20.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 28 References

Crowley, GM and Garnett, ST (2001) Food value and tree selection by glossy black-cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami. Austral Ecology 26: 116-126.

CSIRO (1995) Murwillumbah Management Area Fauna Survey. A report to State Forests of New South Wales. CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra.

DECC (2010) Private Native Forestry – Advisory Note 2. NSW Department of Environment, Conservation, Climate Change and Water: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pnf/pnfadvisorynotes.htm

EMS (2003) Fauna and its Associated Biodiversity Values in Noosa Shire, Noosa Shire Council. Ecotone Environmental Services.

Forshaw, JM (2002) Australian Parrots, 3rd edition. Alexander Editions, Robina.

Garnett, ST and Crowley, GM (2000) The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Garnett, ST, Pedler, LP and Crowley, GM (1999) The breeding biology of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Emu 99: 262-279.

Garnett, ST, Britton, P and Crowley, GM (2000) A northward extension of range of the Glossy Black- Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). Sunbird 30:18-22.

GCCC (2009) Gold Coast City Council Nature Conservation Strategy Flora and Fauna Database: www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?PID=4167

Glossy Black Conservancy (2009) www.glossyblack.org.au/

Harper, MJ, McCarthy, MA and van der Ree, R (2008) Resources at the landscape scale influence possum abundance. Austral Ecology 33:243-252.

Higgins, PJ (ed) (1999) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbirds. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Joseph, L (1982) The Glossy Black-Cockatoo on Kangaroo Island. Emu 82: 46--49.

Joseph, L (1989) The Glossy Black-Cockatoo in the south Mount Lofty Ranges. South Australian Ornithologist 30: 202-204.

Kingston, MB, Turnbull, JW and Hall, PW (2004) Tweed Vegetation Management Strategy 2004: www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/YourEnvironment/VegMgtHome.aspx

Lindenmayer, DB, Cunningham, RB, Donnelly, CF and Lesslie, R (2002) On the use of landscape surrogates as ecological indicators in fragmented forests. Forest Ecology and Management 159: 203-216.

Lunney, D, Curtin, AL, Ayers, D, Cogger, HG, Dickman, CR, Maitz, W, Law, B and Fisher, D (2000) The threatened and non-threatened native vertebrate fauna of New South Wales: status and ecological attributes. NPWS, Sydney.

Mooney, PA and Pedler, LP (2005) Recovery plan for the South Australian subspecies of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus): 2005-2010. Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia. 45pp.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 References 29

Murphy, S, Legge, S and Heinsohn, R (2003) The breeding biology of Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus): a case of a slow life history. Journal of Zoology 261: 327-339.

NSWWA (2010) NSW Wildlife Atlas: wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/about.jsp

Paterson, R (1997) Gold Coast City Council Strategic Plan and Planning Scheme. Unpublished report for the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Glossy Black-Cockatoo Branch. 41pp.

Pepper, JW (1996) The behavioural ecology of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus. PhD Thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Pepper, JW (1997) A survey of the South Australian Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) and its habitat. Wildlife Research 24: 209-224.

Pepper, JW, Male, TD and Roberts, GE (2000) Foraging ecology of the South Australian Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus). Austral Ecology 25: 16-24.

Pizzey, G and Knight, F (2003) The Feld Guide to the Birds of Australia, 7th edition. HarperCollins.

RCC (2008) Redlands Planning Scheme: www.psdocs.redland.qld.gov.au/

Saunders,DA (1986) Breeding season, nesting success, and nestling growth in Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris), over 16 years at Coomallo Creek, and a method for assessing the viability of populations in other areas. Australian Wildlife Research 13: 261-273.

Schodde, R, Mason, IJ and Wood, JT (1993) Geographic differentiation in the Glossy Black- Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and its history. Emu 93: 156-166.

SCRC (2009) Caloundra City Council Biodiversity Strategy 2006. Sunshine Coast Regional Council draft Biodiversity Strategy: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=biodiversity-strategy

Southgate, R (2002) Population viability analysis for the South Australian Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

SRRC (2009) Scenic Rim Regional Council Planning Scheme Policy 3 - Ecological Assessment: www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/busDev/scenicRimPlanning.shtml

Stock, MJ (2008) Factors influencing the conservation status of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami) on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Unpublished PhD thesis, Griffith University.

Stock, MJ and Wild, CH (2005) Seasonal variation in Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) sightings on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Corella 29: 88-90.

Wild, C, Stock, M, and Thomas, E (2002) Factors influencing choice of feed trees by the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami) on Allocasuarina littoralis and A. torulosa in south-east Queensland. Unpublished report, School of Environmental and Applied Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast. 91pp.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 30 Appendix 1

Appendix 1: Summary of current statutory and policy frameworks relevant to GBC conservation at international, national, state and local government (SEQ and NE NSW) levels

International and National Statutory and Policy Frameworks

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments that regulates international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants to ensure that it does not threaten their survival. Further info: www.cites.org/

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Further info: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html

National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia‘s Biological Diversity 1996. Further info: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy/index.html

The Great Eastern Ranges Initiative (formerly the Alps to Atherton Initiative) is a national conservation project intended to connect and conserve ecosystems through the Great Dividing Range, escarpment and associated ranges from the Australian Alps in Victoria to Atherton in Queensland. Further info: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/conservationprograms/index.htm

State Statutory and Policy Frameworks

Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 lists threatened species (GBC listed as Vulnerable) and states that protected wildlife is to be managed to conserve it to the greatest possible extent. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/nca1992237/

Vegetation Management Act 1999 regulates the clearing of remnant vegetation by providing codes for the Integrated Planning Act that are applicable codes for the assessment of vegetation clearing. It provides for the protection of listed significant fauna species through the mapping of remnant vegetation and associated Essential Habitat for listed significant fauna species. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/vma1999212/

Sustainable Planning Act 2009 is new legislation that replaces the Integrated Planning Act 1997. It seeks to achieve sustainable planning outcomes through managing the process by which development takes place, managing the effects of development on the environment, and continuing the coordination and integration of local, regional and state planning. Further info: www.dip.qld.gov.au/planning-and-development/sustainable-planning-act-2009.html

Environment Protection Act 1994 regulates “environmentally relevant activities” such as mining and provides an Environmental Impact Assessment process for such activities otherwise subject to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. Under the EP Act, proposed activities that will have a significant impact on “environmentally sensitive areas” require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and associated Environmental Management Plan. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/epa1994295/

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Appendix 1 31

Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy provides principles and guidelines for environmental offsets to be used to counterbalance loss of environmental values, such as native vegetation. Further info: www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/planning_and_guidelines/ policies_and_strategies/environmental_offsets/

Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 provides for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and management of the coast including its resources and biological diversity. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/cpama1995309/

State Coastal Management Plan outlines directions for effective protection and management of the coastal zone. Further info: www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/coast_and_oceans/ coastal_management/state_coastal_management_plan/

Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 provides for vegetation offsets and restoration of koala habitat, but has been superceded by the State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in South-east Queensland (see under Regional Policy Frameworks below)

New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 provides for the conservation of listed threatened species, including the GBC which is listed as Vulnerable. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/ consol_act/tsca1995323/

Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 provides for financial assistance to implement catchment management activities. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ cmaa2003316/

Crown Lands Act 1989 provides for the management of crown land, including council reserves, travelling stock reserves and road reserves, in such a way that environmental protection principles are observed. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/cla1989134/

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 provides State and Local Government with land-use planning and development assessment powers. Land-use planning instruments include State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), Regional Environmental Plans (REPs), Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), and Development Control Plans (DCPs). SEPPs relevant to GBC in NE NSW include: SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn14w543/ SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn26r621/ SEPP 44 – Koala Habitat Protection www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn44hp603/ SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn71p578/ Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/epaaa1979389/

Native Vegetation Act 2003 regulates the clearing of native vegetation on all land in NSW except national parks and other conservation areas, State forests and reserves, and urban areas. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/nva2003194/

Rural Fires Act 1997 provides for the prevention, mitigation and suppression of bush and other fires, with consideration given to the protection of environment and biodiversity values.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 32 Appendix 1

Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment Legislation Amendment Act 2002 amends the Rural Fires Act 1997 and several environmental assessment-related Acts to streamline the assessment process for hazard reduction works, and provides for the development of a Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code.

The Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 is a non-government body set up under the Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 that acquires properties with high conservation values which are under- represented within the public reserve system and then sells them to a new owner with a conservation covenant attached. Further info: www.naturetrust.org.au/

NSW Coastal Policy 1997 has nine goals (including to protect, rehabilitate and improve the natural environment and accommodate natural processes), each underpinned by objectives that are to be achieved by strategic actions. Responsibilities for these actions have been appointed to appropriate government agencies, councils and other organisations. Further info: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ plansforaction/coastalpolicy.asp

The NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement outlines the broad strategies and detailed priority actions in NSW that are required to promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities; and manage key threatening processes. Further info: www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx

The NSW Natural Resources Commission 2006-2015 is an independent body that was established under the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003, which has established a series of resource condition targets to achieve a resilient ecologically sustainable environment that functions at a range of landscape scales and supports environmental, economic, social and cultural community values. Further info: www.nsw.gov.au/stateplan/index.aspx?id=f782cbd-0528-4077-9f40- 75af9e4cc3e5

The NSW Threatened Species Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Banking) Bill 2006 inserts a new Part 7A in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) to enable a biodiversity banking and offsets scheme. Further info: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/ biobankframework.htm

Regional Policy Frameworks

Queensland South-east Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 embodies Regional Policies that set out the desired regional outcomes, principles, policies and programs to manage regional growth and change in a sustainable way. Further info: www.dip.qld.gov.au/regional-planning/regional-plan-2009-2031.html

South-east Queensland Regional Coastal Management Plan provides direction for implementing the State Coastal Management Plan and the South-east Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031. Further info: www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/coast_and_oceans/ coastal_management/regional_coastal_management_plans/southeast_queensland_coast/southeast_ queensland_regional_coastal_management_plan.html

South-east Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan 2009–2031 is a non-statutory environment and natural resource management plan that incorporates measurable targets for the condition and extent of environment and natural resources that are aligned to desired regional

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Appendix 1 33

outcomes and policies of the South-east Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031. Further info: www.derm.qld.gov.au/regional_planning/seq_nrm_plan.html

South-east Queensland Climate Change Management Plan (Draft) has the potential to influence restoration activities in the region. Further info: www.dip.qld.gov.au/regional-planning/ management-plan.html

South-east Queensland Koala State Planning Regulatory Provision regulates new development in koala habitat areas, which includes areas with mature eucalypts. Further info: www.dip.qld.gov.au/koalas

State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in South-east Queensland outlines how new or amended planning schemes should maintain or enhance koala habitat to achieve desired environmental outcomes and create a network of koala habitat and movement areas across South-east Queensland’s Urban Footprint. Further info: www.dip.qld.gov.au/koalas

New South Wales North Coast Regional Environmental Plan 1988 provides guidance for Councils in preparing Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and in the assessment of development applications. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/ncrep384/

NSW Far North Coast Regional Strategy 2006-2031 provides the NSW Government‘s land-use strategy to guide local planning in the local government areas of the region. Further info: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/pdf/fncrs_strategy_fin.pdf

The Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP) is a statutory 10 year plan for delivery of natural resource management investment and outcomes across the Northern Rivers Region, as required under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003. Further info: www.northern.cma.nsw.gov.au/region_catchment_action_plan.php

The Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan meets the recovery planning requirements for threatened species, populations and ecological communities in the Northern Rivers region listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Further info: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/nrrbiomanagemntplan.htm

The Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan incorporates existing state and national recovery and threat abatement plans, as well as NSW Threatened Species Priority Action Statement actions, to identify actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability for groups of listed threatened species in the Border Ranges region. Further info: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ threatened/publications/recovery/border-ranges.html

Local Statutory and Policy Frameworks

There area a variety of mechanisms whereby regional and city councils in both SEQ and NE NSW can protect biodiversity values, including Voluntary Conservation Agreements, Conservation Covenants, Land for Wildlife agreements, and a variety of codes, policies and local laws in local Planning Schemes (SEQ) or Development Control Plans (NE NSW).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 34 Appendix 1

Queensland The table below provides a summary of planning scheme policies and codes relating to biodiversity and vegetation in Queensland local government area Conservancy partners.

Planning Scheme

Local Go- vernment DEOs Codes Planning Scheme Policies area

• Biodiversity Code • Brisbane River Corridor • Waterway Code Planning Scheme Policy Brisbane City 3.1 • Wetland Code • Environmental Impact Council • Landscape Code Assessment Planning Scheme Policy

Bundaberg • Landscaping Policy • Ecology Protection Code Regional • Riverside Parklands • Landscaping Code Council Masterplan

• Policy 8: Ecological • Natural Wetland Areas and Natural Assessment Guidelines 1.0 DEO Waterways Constraint Code • Policy 10: Guidelines for Gold Coast Ecol.1; & • Nature Conservation Constraint Preparing Management City Council 2.0 DEO Code Plans and Plans of Ecol.2 • Landscape Code Development • Vegetation Management Code • Policy 15: Management of Coastal Dune Areas

Gympie • Conservation Significant Areas Regional PSP5: Landscaping Policy Code Council

• Development Constraints Overlays: • Land Affected by Key Resource Areas, Ipswich City 3(b) • Haul Routes and Existing Mines Council • Buffers to Highways and Regional Transport Corridors • Rail Corridor Noise Impact Management

• Vegetation Management Area 1(h); 2(a); • Wetland and Waterway Area Logan City 2(c); & Code Council 3(k) • Flood Plain Management Area • Acid Sulphate Soils Area • Wetland and Waterway Area

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Appendix 1 35

Caboolture: Cabool- • Catchment Protection Overlay Code ture: • Koala Conservation Overlay Caboolture: (i); & (xiv) • Nature Conservation Overlay • Planning Scheme Policy 13: Koala Conservation Moreton Bay Pine Ri- Pine Rivers: • Pine Rivers: PSP31 Regional vers: • Biodiversity Overlay Code • Demonstrating Council 3.2; 3.4; • Waterways Overlay Code Compliance with 3.5 the Biodiversity and Redcliffe: Waterways Overlay Codes Redcliffe: • Natural Features or Resources (B Overlay Code • Natural Values Code

• Conservation Zone Code • Planning Scheme Policy 4 • Environmental Protection Zone – Ecological Impacts Redland City 2.3.8 (a); Code • Planning Scheme Policy 14 Council & (b) • Habitat Protection Overlay Code – Waterways, Wetlands • Waterways, Wetlands and and Moreton Bay Moreton Bay Overlay Code

Beaude- Beaudesert: sert: Beaudesert: • Nature Conservation 1(b); 1(e); • Planning Scheme Policy 4: Scenic Catchment Management, 1(g); 1(h) Vegetation Management Rim Regional Waterways and Wetlands Plan Council Boonah: • Planning Scheme Policy 3 Boonah: C(16); - Ecological Assessment • Natural Features Overlay Code C(17)

Caloundra: • Planning Scheme Policy: Caloundra: Environmental Assessment • Habitat and Biodiversity Code and Management • Natural Waterways and Wetlands Caloundra: Code Maroochy: 3(a) • Planning Scheme Policy 3: Sunshine Maroochy: Rehabilitation Plans Coast Maroochy: • Nature Conservation and • Planning Scheme Policy Regional (1); & (2) Biodiversity 12: Biodiversity Council • Waterways and Wetlands Noosa: Noosa: (g) Noosa • Planning Scheme Policy 3 • Landscaping Code – Landscaping Plants and • Biodiversity Overlay Code Guidelines • Planning Scheme Policy 18 – Ecological Assessment Guidelines

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 36 Appendix 1

New South Wales

Local Environment Plans (LEPs) guide development at the local government level. They set appropriate zonings and zoning provisions for all land within a local government area, and provide criteria for land-use and development standards. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/ epaar2000480/

A Development Control Plan (DCP) is a detailed guideline of the various standards, policies and guidelines adopted by Council for development in its Local Government Area. These plans refine or supplement a regional environment plan or local environment plan and are made in accordance to the EPA Act. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/epaar2000480/

The Tweed Local Environmental Plan 2000 restricts land uses in specified Environmental Protection Zones and makes provision for Tree Preservation Orders. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/ consol_reg/tlep2000278/

The Byron Local Environmental Plan 1988 restricts land uses in specified Environmental Protection Zones and makes provision for Tree Preservation Orders. Further info: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/ consol_reg/blep1988295/

The Tweed Vegetation Management Strategy 2004 promotes the protection, rehabilitation and management of native vegetation and wildlife habitat of high conservation value. Further info: www.tweed. nsw.gov.au/YourEnvironment/VegMgtHome.aspx

The Byron Biodiversity Conservation Management Strategy 2004 provides a long-term approach to guide development and aims identify, protect, restore and maintain ecosystems and ecological processes by delivery on-ground works and planning controls. Further info: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Biodiversity/ Strategy.aspx

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 Appendix 2 37

Appendix 2: Offset Principles

The following key principles, based on a document prepared by Tweed Shire Council, should underpin the internal offset provisions for developments that result in the loss of important GBC habitat features:

1. No other options: Offsetting can only be considered when all means of avoiding the impacts from a development proposal on a site’s biodiversity values have been exhausted. This involves following the mitigation sequence of avoidance, minimisation, restoration and compensation.

2. Maintain and improve: Offsets must achieve no net loss; they must result in maintenance and preferably improvement of the biodiversity values being impacted by a development.

3. Like-for-like: Offsetting must be on a like-for-like basis; that is, the biodiversity values of the offset must closely approximate at regional, landscape and local scales the values being affected by a development.

4. Measurable process: Offsetting must be a measurable process, using established tools and information in the assessment of impacts and the design and implementation of offsets.

5. Improvement of offset: Offset implementation should result in an improvement in the condition and security of the offset.

6. Limitations: Where development impacts on biodiversity, there will be an inevitable loss of some values that are irreplaceable; this is the reason that all options for avoiding impacts and retaining biodiversity values onsite are required to be fully investigated and offsetting should always be considered as a last resort. In addition, in some cases there may be a short to medium-term loss of values during the time it takes for an offset to improve in condition and maturity; and there is also the chance of an offset failing.

7. Commitment and transparency: Offsetting is a commitment to a process that ensures biodiversity values are maintained in perpetuity.

8. Offset Management Plan: Offsetting must be facilitated by an Offset Management Plan that incorporates monitoring, evaluation and reporting and allows for adaptive management.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 38 Appendix 3

Appendix 3: Relevant Contacts

Conservancy Partner Contact Name Contact’s Email Address

Key Document Contacts

Adrian Caneris [email protected] Biodiversity Assessment and Jedd Appleton [email protected] Management (BAAM) Penn Lloyd [email protected]

Griffith University Guy Castley [email protected]

DERM Ian Gynther [email protected]

SEQ Catchments Liz Gould [email protected]

Council Contacts

Brisbane City Council Robyn Jones [email protected]

Bundaberg Regional Council Nick Maclean [email protected]

Gold Coast City Council Jason Searle [email protected]

Gympie Regional Council Amy Gosley [email protected]

Ipswich City Council Mark Panter [email protected]

Logan City Council Lyndall Rosevear [email protected]

Moreton Bay Regional Council Bernadette May [email protected]

North Burnett Regional Council Lee Dorahy [email protected]

Redland City Council Lisa Bailey [email protected]

Scenic Rim Regional Council Michael Anderson [email protected]

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Conor Jenkins [email protected]

Byron Shire Council Scott Hetherington [email protected]

Tweed Shire Council Mark Kingston [email protected]

Other Partner Contacts

Birds Australia (Southern Qld) Eric Anderson [email protected]

Birds Queensland Lyn Cole [email protected]

BrisBOCA Rod Bloss [email protected]

Mt Barney Lodge Tracey Larkin [email protected]

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010 39

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines For South-Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales 2010